New Delhi: The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, recently praised the progress of Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWC), emphasising their pivotal role in delivering a wide range of primary healthcare services.
While delivering an address during the 76th session of the World Health Organisation Regional Committee for South-East Asia, which took place in New Delhi, the Minister emphasised the significance of health, stating that it is the ultimate wealth, and good health enables the accomplishment of various tasks.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO, also participated in the event virtually. Dr. Mandaviya was unanimously elected as the Chairperson of the 76th session of the regional committee for South-East Asia.
He said, “In India we are following a holistic and inclusive approach. We are expanding health infrastructure, promoting traditional systems of medicine and providing affordable healthcare to all in alignment with the vision of Universal Health Coverage with the resolute commitment of leaving no one behind.”
He said, “As of October 24, 2023, AB-HWCs have recorded over 2,110 million footfalls. The impact is resounding with individuals availing free drugs over 1,830 million times and diagnostic services over 873 million times.”
Additionally, he mentioned that a total of 26 million wellness sessions, with participation of over 306 million people, have been carried out.
Dr. Mandaviya said initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and PM-ABHIM have significantly bolstered the digital health framework and physical infrastructure, driving a transformative shift in healthcare delivery in the nation.
The Union Health Minister stressed that the present emphasis on primary health centres through AB-HWC, employing a collaborative approach, will yield profoundly positive health results, leading to reduced out-of-pocket expenses, and serving as a potential model for other nations undergoing healthcare sector reforms.
He also addressed the attendees at the tree plantation ceremony at the WHO SEARO Building site in IP Estate, New Delhi, highlighting the collaborative effort between India and WHO to address global healthcare challenges and promote inclusive and equitable development of healthcare services in the South-East region.
Dr. Ghebreyesus addressed the gathering virtually and acknowledged the critical timing of the 76th Session of SEARO, both globally and regionally. He emphasised the substantial healthcare challenges facing the South-East Asia region, home to more than a quarter of the world’s population.
The session was attended by Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Director of WHO SEARO (Regional Office for South-East Asia); Ahmed Naseem, Health Minister of Maldives; Dr. Elia Antonio de Araujo Dos Reis Amaral, Health Minister of Timor Leste; Health Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Seetha Arambepola; Mohan Bahadur Basnet, Health Minister of Nepal; Choe Hui Chol, Ambassador to India, South Korea; Zahid Maleque, Health Minister of Bangladesh; Dr. Pongsadhorn Pokpermdee; Dr. Syarifah Liza Munira, Director General for Health, Health Ministry of Indonesia; and Pemba Wangchuk, Acting Secretary, Ministry of Health, Bhutan.
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